Hamilton Ferris Wind Generator Max Speed

[sorcerer33]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a brake for my WP-200 Hamilton Ferris wind generator. Does anyone know what the maximum wind speed that the generator can tolerate before I have problems -- (like when a bearing went bad on me?)

[donradclife]

At 25 knots and under, there are no problems. Over 30 sustained, the generator gets hot enough that the glue holding the magnets fails. Over 35, the solder on the wires to the brushes melts. Its also getting pretty noisy at those speeds.

You can reduce the the problems by tying the generator vane so that it is at an angle to the wind.